A blood test is a process of extracting blood samples for analysis in a laboratory. The blood is drawn from a person’s arm through the veins or by pricking the finger with a sharp object to release blood.
Blood samples are tested for a variety of reasons including but not limited to: analysis of specific blood components, identification of disease in the body, effects of pharmaceutical drugs, examination of the functions of body organs, blood count measurement, and clinical trials and diagnostics
Importance Of Blood Testing Technology
When you visit a healthcare facility due to an illness or for a routine checkup, chances are, the primary test that will be performed on you is a blood test. In the recent past, one had to wait for a long time before they can get their results from a blood test, because the available equipment then was limited and technology was not as advanced. This, in some cases, resulted in the death of patients who could have been saved if only the test results were instant.
Technology has, however, evolved and blood test results can now be obtained more quickly.
Listed below are some blood testing devices and kits that can be considered medical breakthroughs and made life easier through their use:
1. Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit
Blood pathogens like HIV and malaria, just to name a few, can now be detected in the blood instantly through a Rapid Diagnostic Test Kit. This is a diagnostic kit used for blood screening, which operates by the addition of collected blood samples on a rest pad together with reagents. Results can be seen in about 20 minutes. The kit is portable and can be used at the point of care conveniently by anyone even without medical training.
Health care workers and providers who are vulnerable to infections due to exposure may be interested in more training to sharpen their knowledge on how to combat risks associated with taking care of infected persons. Learn more about these courses at sites like Bloodborne Pathogens Training.com.
2. Microsampling Technology
Blood microsampling is a procedure where blood is drawn painlessly through a single-use device. The device can store the collected blood, which is then used for clinical trials and diagnostics. This technology offers solutions to the high-quality, volumetric, and accurate collection, transportation, and storage of blood.
An example of blood microsampling techniques is Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling (VAMS), which is one of the latest techniques used to collect dry samples of blood. Through this technique, specific components of blood like plasma are harvested by way of minimal invasion of the skin.
3. Glucose Meter
A glucose meter, also known as 'glucometer,' is a device used to monitor the level of sugar in the blood. A lancet is used to prick the finger and the blood collected is put on a test strip to measure blood sugar level. The strip is then disposed of. This kit has changed the lives of many people who are affected by diabetes since it can be used at home to check glucose levels regularly. Its size makes it handy and portable for users who are always on the move.
4. Blood Chemistry Analyzer
The blood analyzer is a test device used to check blood components like the presence of illegal drugs in the blood, measure protein or cholesterol levels, check thyroid function, and monitor glucose levels and blood cell counts. It is mostly used in health institutions to perform tests on patients and also in institutions like schools and laboratories to detect users of illegal drugs.
5. Complete Blood Count (CBC) Test
These are tests done together using an automated gadget to determine the status of your overall health. This test is usually done as a routine checkup to assess the circulation of red and white blood cells and platelets. The purpose of the test is to detect diseases and infections in the body early enough so that proper action can be taken to combat their spread.
Conclusion
In the past, one had to wait for blood test results for days or even months due to the limited equipment that was used for blood testing. The future now looks promising especially with the breakthroughs that have been achieved by the innovation of blood testing technology. It is now possible to test blood remotely in the comfort of your home and get instant results with the use of kits and gadgets.
With the advanced methods of blood collection, sophisticated storage equipment, and research methodologies, a small quantity of collected blood can now be used for a wide spectrum of experiments. This will help in the diagnosis of known and unknown diseases. The storage aspect of collected samples is no longer a challenge because equipment for collecting and drying blood is now available.
Walter Jones
Walter Jones is a health and technology blogger. He has been in the industry for more than ten years. Aside from writing helpful blogs, he also conducts webinars for aspiring bloggers. During his free time, Walter likes to read science fiction and learn new languages.
